The Lodge on Lake Detroit :: In The News

Businesses Prepare for Possible Early Start to Fishing Season

Published April 07, 2012, 05:23 PM WDAY News 6 - By: Danielle Miller

Detroit Lakes, MN (WDAY TV) -- With fishing season possibly opening a week early in Minnesota, businesses are getting ready for the bonus weekend.

Lawmakers haven't decided whether to move the date up to May 5th.

Mothers Day weekend is normally the kick off to summer for The Lodge on Detroit Lake. Owner Chris Holland-Mehlhaff says the bonus weekend would be a bonus for business.

Chris Holland-Mehlhaff/Lodge owner: "Even to bring in just a few more travelers into our rooms, we would even be happy with a handful of additional rooms."

Since summer applications are already being accepted, with this possible added busy week those positions will have to be filled sooner.

Chris: "Knowing that there will be an opportunity to have more guests it gives us a chance to start hiring and start staffing a little bit early."

This extra week wont only mean more booked rooms, other entities in the hotel will also boom.

Chris: "It helps not only our lobby bar, but also our day spa within which is at the hotel will also see visitors with more people on site."

And The fisherman fishing on these waters wont only be booking a room a week earlier, they will also be stocking up on their bait and tackle a week ahead.

John Store/Quality Bait and Tackle owner: "If they open a week earlier we will do the same thing we do now, we will be open 24 hours to take care of the fisherman."

John Store, owner of Quality Bait and Tackle is ready for summer. His shelves are fully stocked and the bait is ready to be used.

John: "You get more of the North Dakota people coming to Minnesota they are already open they never close their season you know."

Whether the opening weekend falls on May 5th or the 12th you can be sure a room will be ready for you and you'll have everything you need to hook a big one for the big opener.

About Holland Lodging

The Lodge on Lake Detroit is independently owned & operated by Holland Motel, Inc., now in its third generation of providing excellence in hospitality. Husband and wife owners Scott Mehlhaff & Chris Holland-Mehlhaff also own & operate Best Western Plus Holland House in Detroit Lakes, MN and Best Western Superior Inn & Suites in Grand Marais, MN.